Md. House Passes Speed Camera Bill

[Mugu]

By Philip Rucker
Washington Post Staff Writer

The Maryland House of Delegates voted 90 to 45 yesterday to pass the governor's speed cameras legislation, allowing police departments to install roadside cameras to ticket speeding motorists in work areas, school zones and residential neighborhoods across the state.

snip

The speed camera bill, which was proposed by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), allows the state to install cameras in construction areas. The measure also would authorize local governments to use cameras in school zones and in residential neighborhoods with posted speed limits less than 45 mph. Violators would be fined $40 but would not get points on their licenses.

snip

In a heated debate on the House floor Tuesday, some lawmakers questioned whether the government is enacting too many restrictions on society. Del. Patrick L. McDonough (R-Baltimore County) said the bill and other legislation introduced to regulate driving "seeks to criminalize so many aspects of our lives."

Del. Maggie L. McIntosh (D-Baltimore) countered that speeding is already against the law and that the bill merely gives police new tools for enforcement.


Read complete article at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/20/AR2008032003751.html

[adarling]

1. We have them all over Dallas

and it has really helped in terms of accidents. I just read though that it is a double edge sword and that cities are losing revenue cause people are not speeding through them anymore lol.

[Tesha]

6. I think you read a story about "red light cameras" losing effect. (NT)

[Vincardog]

2. If the camera is the only witness, who will testify against you?

[qanda]

3. This just stinks. I hate O'Malley and my hate grows for him daily

I can't wait to move out of this state. It gets more and more expensive to live here every single day.

[CC]

4. Good since so many people can not seem

to read signs or see anything beyond the hood of their car.

[jayfish]

8. ...and a camera that they can't see either is going to slow them down?

This is a revenue device, nothing more.

Jay

[CC]

9. After their first ticket it

just might. Plus at least around here the newspaper will tell where they get installed. If they are selfish enough to still speed through the area then they get what they deserve.

Yes they will get revenue at first but as more people realize they will be caught they will slow down then the revenue goes too. For the areas they want them I don't have a problem with it.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

5. In Europe they have them and seem to work well

[Blue_Tires]

7. cashgrab...

i didn't really care for the ones in Washington D.C., which of course is SO precise and diligent in posting speed limit signs....